Adam Rufa - 5/20/2006

Question
My daughter is 12 years old and fractured her right clavicle in phys-ed while playing kick ball.  A girl ran into her from the right side and forced her clavicle upward like a tent.  They have her in a shoulder harness and I am to tighten them as much as possible to bring the alignment together.  I have not seen any change in one week and her right shoulder slumps down.  I am concerned that she might need a specific brace to pull this down.  Can you suggest a brace or an expert in the Philadelphia area that I can take her to?
Thank you.

Answer
Clavicle fractures are very hard to stabilize and they often end up healing out of alignment. Most of the time there is no problem with the bone healing out of alignment. I do not know of any specific brace that has been shown to be effective. I also do not know any experts in Philly.

If you are concerned just ask your general MD for a referral to a specialist. It is always ok to get a second opinion.

The only way to be 100% sure the bone will heal with good alignment is to surgically pin it together. The problem is, this surgery usually does not improve outcomes and it subjects the patient to the risk of surgery.

Good luck and get a second opinion just to help you sleep better at night. But don't worry too much kids usually do just fine after an injury like this.

Adam